Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, on Saturday donated ₦10 million to the Catholic Maternity Hospital in Moniaya, Ogoja Local Government Area of Cross River State, while calling for increased support for mission hospitals and other faith-based healthcare institutions across Nigeria.
Obi disclosed the donation in a post on his X account after visiting the hospital during a trip to Ogoja/Yala Local Government Area.
According to him, the decades-old Catholic Maternity Hospital remains one of the few major maternity facilities serving the Ogoja area despite operating with limited resources.
Reflecting on the visit, Obi praised the hospital’s commitment to maternal and child healthcare, noting that it continues to provide essential medical services to thousands of women and newborns.
He also expressed concern over Nigeria’s maternal and infant mortality rates, describing the situation as unacceptable.
“Nigeria still ranks among the countries with the highest maternal and infant mortality rates in the world, despite having overtaken countries such as China and India, whose populations are several times larger than ours. This is not just a statistic; it represents mothers, babies, and families whose lives are forever changed by preventable tragedies,” Obi said.
The former Anambra State governor also noted that the hospital operates a Tuberculosis and Leprosy Centre, providing critical healthcare services that have become increasingly scarce in many parts of the country.
To support the hospital’s work, Obi announced a financial contribution.
“To support their commendable work, I made a token donation of ₦10 million and assured them of my continued partnership,” he stated.
He further appealed to governments at all levels, corporate organisations, and public-spirited Nigerians to invest more in healthcare and education through partnerships with mission-owned and voluntary institutions.
“I urge governments at all levels, the private sector, and well-meaning Nigerians to support institutions like this, run by voluntary and faith-based organisations. Investing in healthcare and education is investing in our future,” Obi added.
